The world of Broadway is abuzz with excitement as the 2026 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards (BACAs) have unveiled their winners, and what a thrilling celebration of talent it has been! This unique awards ceremony, where the power of nomination and voting lies solely with the passionate Broadway audience, has once again showcased the incredible diversity and depth of the theatrical scene.
A Star-Studded Affair
The revival of the Cold War musical "Chess" emerged as the biggest winner, taking home four awards, including the prestigious Favorite Musical Revival. This triumph not only highlights the enduring appeal of classic musicals but also the exceptional performance of Lea Michele, who returned to Broadway with a bang. Michele's triple win solidifies her status as a Broadway powerhouse, and her impact on the industry is undeniable.
Another notable winner is "The Lost Boys," an '80s vampire musical that captured the hearts of Broadway fans, earning the title of Favorite New Musical. Shoshana Bean's portrayal of Lucy Emerson in this show was recognized with the Favorite Featured Actress in a Musical award, a well-deserved recognition for her talent.
A Diverse Range of Winners
The BACAs also celebrated a diverse range of performances and shows. "Dog Day Afternoon" was selected as the Favorite New Play, while the classic "Death of a Salesman" took home the Favorite Play Revival award, showcasing the enduring appeal of timeless stories. The awards ceremony further recognized the outstanding performances of Christopher Abbott and Laurie Metcalf in "Death of a Salesman," with both actors winning in their respective categories.
A Look at the Full List of Winners
Here's a breakdown of the full list of 2026 BACA winners:
- Favorite New Musical: "The Lost Boys"
- Favorite New Play: "Dog Day Afternoon"
- Favorite Musical Revival: "Chess"
- Favorite Play Revival: "Death of a Salesman"
- Favorite Long-Running Show: "Hadestown"
- Favorite Tour: "Hadestown"
- Favorite Leading Actor in a Musical: Joshua Henry, "Ragtime"
- Favorite Leading Actress in a Musical: Lea Michele, "Chess"
- Favorite Leading Actor in a Play: Daniel Radcliffe, "Every Brilliant Thing"
- Favorite Leading Actress in a Play: Ayo Edebiri, "Proof"
- Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical: Jim Parsons, "Titanique"
- Favorite Featured Actress in a Musical: Shoshana Bean, "The Lost Boys"
- Favorite Featured Actor in a Play: Christopher Abbott, "Death of a Salesman"
- Favorite Featured Actress in a Play: Laurie Metcalf, "Death of a Salesman"
- Favorite Diva Performance: Lea Michele, "Chess"
- Favorite Funny Performance: Sam Tutty, "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)"
- Favorite Onstage Pair: Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)"
- Favorite Breakthrough (Male): Luke Evans, "The Rocky Horror Show"
- Favorite Breakthrough (Female): Juliette Lewis, "The Rocky Horror Show"
- Favorite Replacement (Male): Jack Wolfe, "Hadestown"
- Favorite Replacement (Female): Whitney Leavitt, "Chicago"
- Favorite Original Song: "New York" - "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)"
- Performance of the Year (Musical): Lea Michele, "Chess"
- Performance of the Year (Play): Daniel Radcliffe, "Every Brilliant Thing"
A Night of Triumphs
The 2026 BACAs were a testament to the incredible talent and diversity of Broadway. With a range of shows and performances recognized, it's clear that Broadway continues to thrive and innovate. The awards ceremony not only celebrates the winners but also serves as a reminder of the power of audience engagement and the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication of performers and creators.
As we reflect on this year's awards, it's evident that Broadway remains a vibrant and dynamic force in the world of theater. The winners of the 2026 BACAs have left their mark, and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
